Success Academy Charter School - Bed Stuy 1

Test scores at this school are in a league of their own: 96.1% ELA proficiency and 97.1% math proficiency compared to District 14 averages of just 62% and 59%. These numbers represent a remarkable recovery — scores dropped to 77% ELA during 2022-2023 but have surged back to their highest levels ever. Grade 7 students are performing at 98% ELA and 99% math, among the strongest in any grade statewide. The overall quality rating of 3.86/4 reflects consistent excellence.

Teacher satisfaction sits at 93% and teacher-reported safety at 97%, both matching district averages — families can expect a professional, stable environment. However, the chronic absenteeism rate of 79.8% is extraordinarily high, suggesting significant attendance challenges that may reflect the charter model's demanding schedule or family logistical struggles. The family survey response rate was effectively zero (only 2 responses), making it hard to gauge parent sentiment directly.

The student body closely mirrors the neighborhood: 62% Black and 29% Hispanic students, reflecting the community's demographics. With 74.7% economic need index and 18% IEP students, this is a population with significant challenges that the school has managed to serve alongside its academic excellence. The diversity index of 56% is moderate — the school is predominantly Black and Hispanic with small Asian and white populations.

Bedford-Stuyvesant is a neighborhood of contrasts: excellent transit access (86 percentile), very high family density (92 percentile), and strong education orientation (71 percentile), but low safety scores (21 percentile) and elevated environmental health concerns. The median home value of $1.27 million signals significant gentrification, while the 28% poverty rate and 20% homeownership reflect ongoing economic diversity. Families will find strong community networks and good subway access, but should be aware of environmental health indicators (asthma rates, lead exposure risk) that are elevated citywide.

The neighborhood is highly walkable with strong transit options — families can rely on walking or public transit for most trips. The area around Tompkins Avenue has good infrastructure for families with young children.